When too much experience becomes an issue

Know your limitations: Warrnambool’s Gillian King encourages senior motorists to consider attending police and community forums for older drivers next week in Warrnambool and Port Fairy.

MORE elderly drivers are being involved in serious vehicle collisions around the south-west, but police-run information sessions aim to change that trend.

Community forums next month will address the sensitive issue of when older motorists should give up their licence.

“Statistically, around the state older drivers are starting to feature higher in serious or fatal collisions,” Senior Sergeant Tania Barbary said.

“We’ve noticed an increase (in the south-west) and it’s something we’d like to address before it becomes a serious issue.”

Senior Sergeant Barbary said the trend was to be expected because of an ageing population. “It’s not about Victoria Police or any other agency shaking a big stick and saying you shouldn’t drive. It’s about showing the effect age can have on our driving ability,” she said.

Public transport figures will also be on hand at the forums to explain the south-west’s public transport routes.

It’s hoped families will also attend the sessions.

Senior Sergeant Barbary said it was often difficult for families to be “the monster” when an older member starts to become a risk on the road.

“It’s difficult for them to make that call,” she said.

The forums will be held at the Archie Graham Community Centre in Warrnambool on May 7 and the Port Fairy Community Services Centre on May 8.